Auto Insurance Quotes in Hunters Creek, FL

Amy Zaki, Agent

407-270-8220

Auto Insurance

What is Florida Auto Insurance?

It is a contract between you and your insurer in which you pay the b a certain amount of money and, in return, the company will protect you from major financial losses due to an auto accident for a given period of time.

Whether you currently own an automobile or are a prospective buyer in Hunters Creek, you can get aFree Auto Insurance quote today.

Why Do You Need Auto Insurance?

Insurance is your protection against economic disaster should you cause an accident that results in property damage or injuries to other people. It can help cover repairs to your vehicle and related medical costs.

What does auto insurance cover?

Bodily injury liability coverage – Pays for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense.

Property damage liability coverage – Provides you with protection if your car accidentally damages another person's property. It also provides you with a legal defense.

Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury coverage – Usually pays for the medical expenses of the driver and passengers in your car incurred as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.

Uninsured motorist coverage – Pays for your injuries and, in some circumstances, certain property damage caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, underinsured motorist coverage is also included. This is for cases in which the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.

Can I get coverage with speeding tickets on my record? What about accidents or a DUI?

What is a deductible on my auto policy?

In the event of a claim, this is the amount you will have to pay before your policy pays.

What's the difference between comprehensive and collision?

Collision is the part of the policy that covers your vehicle against damage caused in an accident. Comprehensive covers your car for damages not caused by a collision. It also covers against named perils such as hurricane damage and theft.

What are the Florida state required limits for auto insurance?

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Coverage designed to provide protection should you be involved in an accident with a motorist who is at fault and has either no insurance or not enough to cover your medical expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage does NOT cover damage to your vehicle.

I just moved to Florida. Is coverage the same from state to state?

No. Each state has unique rules and regulations for auto insurance. It’s important to be aware of the differences here in Florida.

Do I have to turn in my out of state tags and get new ones from Florida?

Yes. Upon moving to Florida a driver has 30 days get a new registration on the vehicle.

What is the Florida Financial Responsibility Law?

The law that requires owners or operators of autos to provide evidence that they have the funds to pay for automobile losses for which they might become liable. Auto Insurance is the usual method for providing this evidence to the state.

What is the Florida No-Fault Law?

The Florida No-Fault law requires PIP (personal injury protection) be carried by owners of motor vehicles and imposes penalties for failing to do so.

Why should I buy my auto insurance from GreatFlorida?

Most customers save money because we offer some of the most competitive rates around.

Florida could become one of the first states to allow drivers to present a digital driver’s license stored on cellphones as proof of identification.

“It seems like an obvious transition with so much of our lives currently stored on our phones,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

An electronic driver’s license legislative bill will be introduced this spring. It is likely to be packaged with a proposal to create a database enabling police to access a driver’s auto insurance status as well.

Many benefits have driver’s excited over this proposal. Losing a driver’s license would not be so inconvenient and few would argue against having to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for a replacement.

Also, a statewide data base would improve the chances of the police to catch uninsured drivers because the information is updated in real-time, unlike a hard copy of an insurance card or driver’s license. “This could help reduce the high percentage of uninsured motorists across the state,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

The electronic database however, would not replace traditional driver’s licenses, merely be supplemental. Almost all states in the U.S. currently recognizes electronic copies of auto insurance cards so a driver’s license seems the next logical progression.

According to the Sun Sentinel, 14 other state are also developing, studying and considering an electronic credentials program. They report, it could also be used for traffic stops, voting and purchasing liquor and any other reason you may need to present your driver’s license.

Security

While the advancement in technology is convenient, is it safe? Privacy advocates have expressed serious concern over the digital license. DMV.org reports, “many have openly worried that the trade-off for shiny screens and more convenience will be greater susceptibility – to police officers who are a little too curious, hackers looking to abuse the system, or anyone interested in stealing our identities, whether individually or en masse.”

Logically, a new database of information seems vulnerable to information hungry hackers. Yet, a digital driver’s license would be protected by passwords, PINs and other security features in addition to the typical security built into phones. If a plastic driver’s license is stolen or lost, you also face the same risks of someone taking your information without security protections.

However, Forbes.com reports, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail because people are overly ambitious with their goals. This statistic should not keep you from coming up with a resolution. But maybe focus on setting one that is more realistic to achieve.

So where do you start? Try evaluating a few areas of your life that you feel inspired to improve.

Health

Maybe you need to remove or add something to your diet to help you lose weight or lower your cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic reports, regular exercise can increase self-confidence, improve your sleep and reduce symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.

Finances

Money is a sensitive subject, but we can all agree, being anchored to debt is no way to live. Establishing a realistic budget can provide peace of mind. Financial guru, Dave Ramsey says establishing a budget will also reduce stress, build for the future, provide responsibility, as well as a help you dig your way out of debt.

Time

If you feel like you do not have enough time in the day, you probably need to re-evaluate your calendar. Extracurricular activities are great, but they can become a drain on your time. Plan vacations, date nights and family time in advance and stand firm to those dates. Also, remove activities that are not in line with your greatest values.

Do not underestimate the power of the clutter you have in your life. Clutter causes stress. An overabundance of stuff can be draining. Less stuff translates into less energy spent organizing and re-organizing and more time spent on the things you enjoy. De-cluttering your home gives you more control over your life. It allows you to identify what is important and what you no longer need hanging around.

Author and Netflix star, Marie Kondo, encourages people to surround themselves with items that offer positive. She explains in her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.”

We are in the season where more people are coughing and blowing their nose. But, when is it necessary to see a doctor? What may seem like a simple cold can turn into a more complicated condition.

“While colds might not be severe, cold symptoms can take a lot out of you” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance company.

In fact, colds can wear down your immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to other health issues. Colds typically last for two weeks then go away.

So how can you tell if you have a cold or something more serious, like the flu? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms. However, those suffering from the flu have more intense symptoms along with fever and chills.

“If you are not sure if you or a family member needs to see a doctor, always call your physician’s office to get advice,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent health insurance company.

Below is a list compiled from consumer health website, EverydayHealth.com, of symptoms that require medical attention.

Children

Fever above 103 F or a fever that lasts more than three days

Symptoms that last more the 10 days

Trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing

Bluish skin color

Earache or drainage from the ear

Changes in mental state, such as not waking up, irritability or seizures

Flu-like symptoms that improve, then return with a fever and a worse cough

Not everyone on the road this time of year is interested in spreading holiday cheer.

A new study by smartphone app GasBuddy says, individual’s driving habits are 175 percent more aggressive during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. According to the study, Florida ranks 6 for states with the worst holiday drivers.

Their data also revealed that aggressive driving habits occur most during the beginning of the season, with more instances happening during the drive to the holiday destination, rather than on the return trip.

“People are under a lot of stress during the holidays and tend to lose their patience while driving,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent car insurance agency.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year. They also report, over half of fatal crashes involved at least one driver who performed an aggressive action.

AAA recommends drivers, “Manage your behavior, manage your responses.” Do not be personally offended when you see other drivers doing something illegal or inconsiderate. Many drivers this time of year are rushed or distracted, so try and be forgiving. Also, do not respond or make contact with an aggressive driver looking for a confrontation.

Additionally, AAA reminds drivers, to remain calm and courteous while driving, it lowers your risk of a dicey encounter with another driver.

Their tips for dealing with hostility on the road:

Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.

Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.

If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.

When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.

Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.

If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.

If you feel threatened, call 911.

“Florida does not require motorist to carry bodily injury coverage. So, if you are hurt by an aggressive driver who does not carry that coverage, you are responsible for the cost of your medical expenses,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.

Tuesday, November 27, marks the seventh year of #Giving Tuesday. #Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. It is a day to celebrate and encourage donations and volunteer activities that support charities and non-profit organizations.

The #Giving Tuesday website provides a directory to help you find charities and events in your community participating. Actually, thousands of organizations across Florida are participating. They are championing a variety of causes such as caring for seniors, displaced people, children, animals, charities trying to eradicate disease and abuses, those fighting for environmental issues and much more.

Ways to Participate:

Donate to your favorite charity or non-profit.

Volunteer your time at a local organization.

Start your own fundraiser on Facebook. The #Giving Tuesday website walks you through instructions.

Do something kind- pay an elderly relative a visit, bake cookies for a neighbor or offer to sweep sick friend’s driveway.

Document your activity on social media and spread the good cheer!

The entire family can participate. Teaching children the importance of generosity benefits them. They become less self-focused, while connecting with the world and the needs of others.

Giving enhances the life of the receiver as well as the giver, making our world a more compassionate place.

“Thanksgiving is an ideal time to express my gratitude to our phenomenal independent agents and their staff for all their hard work to make GreatFlorida Insurance a success. Also, a big thanks to all our customers. It is our honor and pleasure to serve you and your families,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Holiday Spending Forecast

Holiday sales are likely to surpass the trillion dollar mark this year for the first time ever, according to eMarketer, a market research company. They anticipate a 5.8 percent increase compared to last year, marking the strongest growth in holiday spending since 2011. The surge in spending is attributed to low unemployment and strong income growth, translating into greater consumer confidence.

Thanksgiving Store Closures

So, can shoppers enjoy Thanksgiving Day, without feeling like they are missing out on a bargain? This year nearly 100 popular national and regional retailers will not be open on Thanksgiving Day. Website, bestblackfriday.com, has a comprehensive list of store closings, including, Costco, Publix, TJX Group (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods) and Home Depot.

In a survey conducted this year, the website found 24 percent of Americans favor Thanksgiving openings, while over 47 percent dislike Thanksgiving openings. Bestblackfriday.com discovered the common theme of “family-time” cited as the reason most retailers remain closed on the holiday.

When to Purchase

However, closing one day still leaves plenty of days for shopping. “Planning ahead seems the best way to get the most for your money,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

While many retailers are already offering great bargains, the biggest deals will most likely be found on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, will you still be able to find what are looking for if you wait until then? Adobe Analytics tracks online shopping and has come out with their annual holiday forecast. Their recommendations, if you have a specific item you want to purchase, buy it before Thanksgiving.